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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

November 4: I'm Thankful For . . .

Volunteers.

We are officially in the time-is-money era. (I know; I freelance for an hourly wage.) "It's not my job" seems to be neck-and-neck with "what's in it for me?" in the personal-slogan competition. So I'm always humbled and moved by those who willingly and cheerfully give up their time, money, and/or energy to give of themselves in service to others.

There are so many types of volunteers, too, from those organized on a formal level - think of Red Cross and polling place volunteers - to those who just see a need and step up to the plate. The person who quietly says inside, I can help . . . and then just does.

Today, I'm giving my thanks for Good Samaritans ~ fixers of flat tires; high-school youth group leaders (who actually give up their weekend evenings to spend time playing games like Duct-Tape Dodge Ball with teens); bake-sale bakers; hospital guides, hand-patters, ice-water getters; nursing home listeners, newspaper readers, piano players; for guide-dog-puppy raisers; for being-there-whenever-you-need-them-at-a-moment's-notice babysitters/chauffeurs/crying-on shoulders; for global aid workers packing up seeds, school supplies, and teddy bears; for AIDS-relief helpers offering comfort in the form of a flashlight, a washcloth, a hand that does not fear to touch.